Dan Brown: The Lost SymbolHis newest novel is full of spiritual truths, historical facts, and information about our nation's forefathers, many of whom were members of the Masons. An exciting story even if there are some gaps in logic that left me shaking my head. He's not the best writer, but he does a lot of research into his subject matter.

Patricia Panahi: God Outside the Box: A Story of Breaking FreeI enjoyed Patricia's book and related to her spiritual quest and exploration of many different paths, religions and beliefs. The daughter of a Muslim father and Catholic mother, Patricia grew up in Iran and later came to the United States, where she began her quest to find God "outside the box". From rebirthing to shamanism,Hinduism to metaphysics, I felt like I was reliving my own spiritual journey. Patricia explores many concepts and ideas in her book, such as synchronicity, reincarnation, and sacred contracts. I was never bored. In fact, I didn't want the book to end. I'm now looking forward to her next book

Deepak Chopra: The Third Jesus: The Christ We Cannot IgnoreThe Jesus that Chopra presents to us is a teacher of God consciousness and a walking example of one who lived in this state of consciousness. I most resonate with this Jesus and even those who do not see themselves as Christians will be inspired and fed by the teachings of Jesus as they are presented by Chopra.

Elizabeth Gilbert: Eat Pray LoveA delightful memoir about Gilbert's one-year sabbatical following her divorce. She seeks to find pleasure again in Italy, to find God in an ashram in India, and balance in Indonesia learning from an old medicine man. A spiritual journey (and, in the end, a love story) that is fun, humorous and wonderfully told.

Byron Katie: Loving What IsThis book gives you the key to unlocking the door that can lead to a life of inner peace and joy. If everyone in the world would read this book there would be no more war.

Charles Fillmore: Metaphysical Bible DictionaryBased on the teachings of Jesus Christ, this book provides the esoteric meanings of words, names and places. A valuable resource for all Bible students who want to delve into metaphysical interpretation of scripture.

I grew up in a home where my parents often said, "Clean up your plate! There are children starving in Africa. You should be grateful that you have spinach to eat." Sometimes I'd sit for an hour at the dinner table hoping to wait them out, but it didn't work. I ended up having to eat what was on my plate.

In my 20's I had a love-hate relationship with food. It was comforting to me and yet it also brought me anxiety because I had to be conscious of my weight. I was a Playboy Bunny and we were expected to maintain a certain weight in order to work. When we went over that weight we were put on the "fat list" and removed from the work schedule.

One day I came in to work and my supervisor told me to step onto the scale. I weighed 110 pounds, which was ten pounds more than I weighed on my start date. I was warned that if I didn't lose the weight I would be taken off the schedule.

After dinner that night, I went into the restroom and, looking to make sure that no one was around, bent over the toilet and stuck my finger down my throat. My dinner came up quickly.

After that, it became a ritual. I felt like I had control of the situation. I ate as much as I liked knowing that I could release it afterwards. Ice cream sundaes, spaghetti, baked potatoes with sour cream and butter...I gorged myself with these foods, which gave me a strange sense of comfort. It was an unhealthy ritual and I am fortunate that it did not become an obsession, as it has become for many women.

I didn't realize it at the time, but I was eating to fill up a part of me that felt empty. I was sad, lonely and depressed. I hated my body and I hated my life.

What changed my life was setting a goal to finish college. I returned to school and began to see myself as capable and intelligent. I started to see that there was more to me than my appearance. I began to eat only when I was hungry and to feed myself spiritually, reading books about philosophy, religion and mythology. My soul hungered for something more than food.

If you are eating to fill an emptiness within you, consider this: Maybe what is missing is a personal relationship to God. Maybe that hunger that you feel is a hunger for God. Why not spend some time in prayer today and connect with that divine presence that lies at the core of your being.

Below you will find a link to a special little movie that was made by Mary Robinson Reynolds. Through imagery, music and its inspiring message, it can help you find emotional and spiritual support in releasing any extra weight that you may be carrying. I found it to be very soothing, peaceful and affirmative.

I have selected photographs that make me smile and brighten my day. I hope they will do that for you as well. Click on the photos to see an enlarged view. I invite you to visit often and see what I add to my collection.